Desert Botanical Garden

For more than 70 years, the Desert Botanical Garden has been teaching and inspiring visitors from the local community and around the world, providing research, exhibits and more designed to help us understand, protect and preserve the desert’s natural beauty. Today, the Garden features:
• 140 acres
• 55 acres under cultivation
• 50,000+ plant displays showcased in beautiful outdoor exhibits
• 1 of only 24 botanical gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (formerly American Association of Museums)
• 1,140 volunteers
• 82,740 volunteer hours
• 104 staff members
• 640,529 attendees each year
• 26,065 member households

Back in the 1930s, a small group of passionate local citizens saw the need to conserve our beautiful desert environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign, “Save the desert,” with an arrow pointing to his home. In 1936, they formed the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society (ACNFS) to sponsor a botanical garden to encourage an understanding, appreciation and promotion of the uniqueness of the world’s deserts, particularly our Sonoran Desert.

Then Gertrude Webster, whose home was located in nearby Arcadia, joined the Society. She offered her encouragement, connections and financial support to establish the botanical garden in Papago Park.